As a part of PROEXTOUR, Georgian Arts and Culture Center (GACC) participated in BREAD FESTIVAL on October 23, 2021, which was organized by The Biological Farming Association Elkana together with the Samtskhe-Javakheti Destination Management Organization (DMO), in the territory of Akhaltsikhe Castle in Akhaltsikhe (Samtskhe-Javakheti region). The event aimed to promote traditional and local products, including indigenous wheat and bread, and introduce the agro-tourism potential of the region to the broader society and encourage and promote local initiatives and collaborative short agri-food chains.

 t the Festival, a separate space was dedicated to Georgian wheat. Guests had a chance to taste a variety of locally baked bread and local products. Exhibitions and sales of ethnographic works, performances with the participation of folk ensembles, a show of costumes made from natural fabric, and yoga master classes for healthy lifestyle lovers were held in the Festival’s different spaces.

The event hosted the photo exhibition – “Samtskhe-Javakheti – Infinity in Variety”. The best photos were included in the photo contest – Yourshot Georgia (https://yourshot.nationalgeographic.ge) organized with National Geographic Magazine – Georgia was presented. At the same time, the winners of the competition were revealed and awarded.

The ETHNOFEST Platform of GACC presented various craft makers from all over Georgia. The Festival participants and visitors were given a rare opportunity not only to enjoy viewing exquisite handmade items by skilled artisans but to purchase them as well. Beautiful ceramic tableware, hand-carved wooden boxes, tablecloths, woolen winter slippers, leather accessories, knitted baskets were some of the items that represented designers and craftsmen from Tbilisi, Gori, Sachkhere, Samegrelo, Imereti and Kakheti Regions. Participation in similar Festivals serves for further support and promote craft- makers in general. The Festival was shot as a PROEXTOUR project activity. The videos will be added to the Pilot Inventories and On-line Repository video-library.

The Festival hosted the general public – guests including both public and private sectors of Georgia, international organizations, scientific institutes, media representatives and tour operators, local products providers, distributors and so on.

 The Festival supported the growth of agro-tourism potential in Samtskhe-Javakheti, and the guests spent a pleasant day in a festive atmosphere.